6th Edition:
Welcome to the sixth edition of The Eureka Times.
Photo by Roy Marshall
We are running a little bit behind our intended publication date but there are a lot of
things happening at the moment and this edition has been held back a little to
incorporate some of these developments. The most exciting issue for many readers I
suspect will be the announcement of our next project after the AD60 which is the
NSWGR express passenger engine the C38 class in both streamlined and non
streamlined versions. We also have updates on the 620/720 rail motors and the AD60.
Sound will be a new experience for many modellers and so we are sharing some of the
learning experiences that we are going though as we sample this new frontier in
modelling. Plenty to talk about then so lets get on with it.
The NSWGR 38 Class
Our next project after the AD60 will be the NSWGR 38 class in both streamlined and non
streamlined versions. Design work has been underway for some time now and is almost
complete and we expect to see drawings shortly. This suggests that the likely delivery
date for the model will be May/June, 2006.
The 38 Class Project Official Launch
To launch our 38 class project in a style befitting this iconic locomotive class, Eureka
Models has hired 3801 for the day and will be re-enacting the Newcastle Flyer on Sunday
the 21st of August. All those interested in what is probably Australia's most widely
recognized heritage locomotive are invited by Eureka Models to participate in this event
which will leave Sydney Terminal around 9.00 am and return around 5.00 pm (Full
details later). There will be no charge by Eureka Models for travel on this trip to
Newcastle however all intending passengers will be asked to donate $30 per passenger
to the Boiler Restoration Fund of 3801 Limited when they reserve seats for the trip.
Tickets can be obtained by ringing 3801 Limited on 02 9699 2737. Tickets are
obviously limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. With closure of
the line past Broadmeadow into Newcastle station already announced this may be one of
the last chances to travel behind steam re-enacting what was once one of the premier
passenger runs in Australia.
Photo by George Panoussis
CURRENT STATUS of our PROJECTS
THE AD60: Tooling is on schedule and we expect to see test shots in July
THE 620/720s: Latest word form the manufacturer is that we will see the test shots
for the rail motors in about two weeks time (3rd week of April). We are looking forward To having something “in our hands” at long last and will get some photographs up on
the web site as soon as we can. Allowing two–three weeks for painting the models
should be back with the manufacturer in mid-May. Assuming that no modifications are
required mid-June should see production for a mid-July delivery
SOUND
As previously announced QSI sound will be available in both the 620/720 rail motors
and the AD60 and of course sound will be a feature of the 38 class. Sound will probably
be a new experience for most Australian prototype modellers. We here at Eureka Models
are no exception so we have obtained for testing the most recent steam offering from
Broadway Limited Imports which has the latest QSI sound system installed. This is the
same type of system that will be used in the 38s, 620/720 rail motors and the AD60,
though of course, our versions will have authentic sound appropriate to our prototypes.
With support from QSI we have been on a very steep learning curve and each newsletter
we intend sharing some of our experiences with you and answering any questions that
you might have on the QSI sound system. (keep those questions coming in folks) The
QSI system allows for the operation of sound in both conventional DC and DCC mode.
The chip senses what current is present on the track and responds accordingly.
DCC: Sound equiped locos are already fitted with a DCC chip and can be used on
DCC systems without further modification. DCC users get the added bonus of full
control of all sound functions.
Analog: Conventional 12v DC power packs with a standard reversing switch will be
sufficient for analog operation. The QSI sound chip requires a minimum amount of
voltage to operate the electronics. Under analog operation therefore when the power
pack is at full off in a block then the locomotive and sound system will not function. To
activate the sound system the throttle is turned up slowly until locomotive functions
such as air compressors, engine idling etc can be heard. The locomotive will not move
because the motor is under the control of the QSI chip and the response to the throttle
is slower and more like a prototype locomotive. More throttle will see the sound of the
engine (chuff or diesel rumble) increase as the locomotive slowly moves off.
Under both modes of control the sound of the locomotive is linked to the back of the motor. This provides synchronisation of the sound to the work that the engine is
performing. The sound of our BLI Niagara labouring up a grade is quite spectacular.
There is a full range of other sound features available all of which are controllable EMF
and
adjustable.
Next edition we will have a look at some of these but one feature that should be
mentioned to finish up this edition's look at the QSI sound system is the Magnetic
Wand. A magnetic reed switch located in the locomotive body can be used to change
the volume of the sound system or to reset the engine to factory defaults under both
analog and DCC modes. The supplied Magnetic Wand is literally waved over the reed
switch hidden in the locomotive to change the volume up or down on the locomotive. A
most useful feature.
An added bonus for analog (standard 12v DC) users is that, since the DCC chip is part of
the sound system, you can run your sound equipped locos on a mate's DCC system. A
value for money way of trying out DCC if you are thinking of converting.
Numbers
The updated list of proposed numbers for the 620/720 rail motors
Colour Scheme Set Numbers
Tuscan Red 622/722, 624/724, 626/726, 627/727, 628/728
Indian Red 621/721, 622/722
Reverse 623/723, 624/724
Candy 625/725, 626/726
We will be producing a limited number of un-numbered rail motors.
(There will be no extra charge for un-numbering sets ;-.)
Numbers for the AD60 will be announced in the next newsletter. There will be four
numbers in addition to the four of the preserved engines already announced.
“I think that we can all agree that the past is over”
??????????
If the annual Australian Indoor Tautology Pennant was still being contested this
statement would have to be up there with the leading contenders for the pennant
although Alex Buzo may have ruled this entrant ineligible due to the fact that it was
uttered by a non Australian. Who said it??? Well, it would be nice to announce that the
neatest correct entry will win a magnificent prize but the answer is so obvious that we
have had to declare it a no-contest. Speaking of the past, the early editions of “The
Eureka Times” can now be found in our archive. Thanks to those who were able to
furnish us with electronic copies of past issues.
Next Issue
The next edition is planned for a mid-May release.
It may or may not contain the following:
Photos of the test shots of the 620/720 rail motors.
Numbers for the AD60.
More on sound.
“But wait, there's more”
More announcements that is, but you will have to wait until the next edition......
Postage and delivery
We have finalized postage and delivery arrangements with Australia Post which will
allow us to offer postage, receipted delivery and insurance anywhere in Australia for a
flat $10-
Pick-up facilities will be available.
More details when the delivery date is nearer.
Feedback
We are getting plenty of feedback and comments mostly by email which we appreciate
very much. I try to answer all emails as quickly as possible but inevitable some replies
are delayed. My apologies for this but there are only so many hours in each day so hang
on and you will get an answer.
Ron Cunningham